“This move is part of DWP’s continued drive to deliver public services in more innovative and cost effective ways. We have sought to ensure that the estate from which we operate continues to meet the changing needs of our business and our claimants.

“This proposal supports the on-going transformation of our services, providing us with the opportunity to deliver an improved customer service in close partnership with local services. It will also reduce costs to the taxpayer by making better use of the space we occupy.

“Subject to further consideration of the proposal we hope to relocate all 96 staff and services from the current Jobcentre to Carew House, Railway Approach, Wallington, SM6 0DX by a date to be agreed before March 2018. Moreover, we are recruiting and expect to have more Work Coaches in every nation and region of the UK in March 2018 than we have today.

“The new site is just 2.7 miles from the existing site. As you will hopefully already be aware, Jobcentre Plus is able to reimburse travel costs for those claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance or the equivalent claimants in Universal Credit for any attendance above their fortnightly signing appointment. In addition, those claiming Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support are not generally required to attend their local Jobcentre regularly.”

Following my meeting last year at the Sutton Job Centre (pictured above), I have written to the local Jobcentre Plus District Manager to hear more about how they will be handling the move, and how they will be helping their customers with the transition.